Wells Cathedral School has been recognised for its dedication to promoting wellbeing among its students, staff, and parents, securing Optimus Education's esteemed Wellbeing Award.

Developed alongside the National Children's Bureau, the accolade is granted to schools committed to enhancing wellbeing.

The award application was spearheaded by Damian Todres, Head of the Creative Arts Faculty and Mental Health Lead, along with Deputy Head (Pastoral) Martin Ashton. The duo collated evidence over a year, outlining various well-being initiatives aimed at all educational levels — from Nursery to Sixth Form — and tailored provisions for staff and parents.

Key initiatives that caught the awarding body's attention included:

• 'The Havenette' in the Nursery, providing a tranquil space for children
• Therapy dogs in the Prep School to comfort pupils discussing their emotions
• Wellbeing Wednesdays in the Senior School covering topics like stress management and healthy living
• Sixth Form Wellbeing Captains who give pupils a voice in improving wellbeing measures
• Staff trained as Mental Health First Aid Champions
• Exercise and relaxation initiatives for staff, such as swimming and yoga
• Free access to the TeenTips Wellbeing Hub for parents

The awarding committee praised Wells Cathedral School for the effectiveness and intent of its initiatives, stating they form a "strong foundation for pupils' future lives."

Damian Todres reflected on the award, saying, "After a 12-month process of the school collaborating on creating and recording a broad programme of whole-school wellbeing provision, and following our verification and assessment day with Optimus Education, I am delighted to say that we have secured the Wellbeing Award."

Martin Ashton added, "I am so proud that we have received this award, which reflects how we aim to care for every member of our community... We will use this award as inspiration to carry on doing what we have been doing and to go on finding new and ambitious ways of supporting everyone in the future."